Scottish ski slopes may open until summer

People ride a ski lift at Nevis Range. Picture: Charne Hawks/PA

Nevis Range near Fort William has recorded snow fall every day for almost two months with some runs covered by 4.9 yards.

The record day on Sunday came despite some chairlifts being out of action because they are buried in snow.

There is so much of the white stuff that the slopes could stay open until the summer, management said.

Snow depths at Scottish resorts are said to be higher than the Olympic runs in Sochi and some of the Europe’s most popular resorts including Kitzbuhel in Austria, Lillehammer in Norway and Courchevel in France.

Conditions are also described as “excellent” at the Cairngorm, Glencoe and Glenshee ski centres in Scotland.

Ski-Scotland said this snowsports season could match or better 2009-10, which was the best in recent memory.

Nevis Range managing director Marian Austin said: “We knew Sunday was going to be an incredible day on the slopes as we already had unprecedented levels of snow and the forecast was for sunny spells and favourable winds.

“Our records show that it’s snowed in each 24 hour period since we opened for this winter season on 20 December 2013, so we’ve almost forgotten what it’s like not to have snow falling each day.

“Operations so far this season have been hampered by the strong winds, however, with the amount of snow we already have, once the weather becomes more settled, the skiing will be amazing and as long as we still have customers we’re planning to ski right into spring or maybe even summer.”